WATER-LILIES 83 



but now that the skill of M. Latour-Marliac has resulted 

 in so many new forms, Water-Lilies range through shades 

 of carmine to palest rose, from saffron-yellow to purple 

 and soft vermilion. It is almost certain that a blue Lily 

 will yet float on the surface of English ponds, though the 

 probable parents of such a hybrid are natives of tropical 

 countries. 



In spite of the beauty of flower and leaf as displayed 

 by even the commonest forms, Water-Lilies owe much 

 of their charm to suitable surroundings and graceful 

 grouping. On natural pieces of water they should 

 always be planted close in-shore, so that they may be 

 appreciated without trouble from the bank. A sheltered 

 bay, surrounded by flowering reeds and with wooded 

 margins, would be an ideal spot for a few good patches. 

 Sunshine is essential, but in an exposed position they 

 rarely look their best. Absolute tranquillity seems 

 necessary in order to realise their full charm ; on the 

 mirrored surface of a sunlit pool, each bloom stands out 

 clear cut and delicate. 



There is something in the sculptured form of this 

 flower that particularly fits it for association with water 

 gardens of a formal type. In large places the possession 

 of a small Lily-Court, with sunk tank and enclosing walls 

 of masonry, will provide a picture of supreme beauty. 

 The lines of stone curbing and the various classic styles 

 of architecture which harmonise but ill with many of our 

 native plants, accord in the highest degree with the chaste 

 simplicity of the Lily leaf and flower. If the large sums 

 which are wasted on incongruous fountains and water 

 jets, could be applied to the formation of simple Lily- 

 Courts, a vast amount of interest and pleasure would be 

 aroused at half the cost. 



An advantage of tanks over ponds and streams, consists 

 in the ease with which the plants may be looked after. 

 Not only can growth be curtailed and overcrowding 



